Anyone using the CPP 500 series power steering gearbox?

[mahanian]

I installed the CPP 500 series power steering gearbox on my 65 and the quick ratio is awesome, the streering response is great but the turning radius is HORRIBLE. It takes an extra 10 feet to make a U-turn compared to my manual box and other 63-66 trucks I've driven with later model power steering installed. I've verified nothing is contacting, the limit is within the gearbox.

Is anyone else using this gearbox and did your turning radius get much worse as well?

[drmatera]

wow, I was just looking thru their catalog at power steering systems. Sub'd for info

[LostMy65]

I've done two power steering upgrades.
One on my 66, and again on my 65.
On my 66, I went with a used Pick-N-Pull off a 79.
That was the first thing I noticed; poor turning radius.
When I went to upgrade my 65 to power steering, I was apprehensive because I didn't want to lose my good turning radius.
I did a lot of research. These forums have lots of good things to say about Redhead Gears.
So that's what I went with.
I'm really happy with it. Still have a good turning radius.

[mehoff400]

ive got a read head gear on my cherokee and love it. local for me

[62stepside longbox]

Originally Posted by LostMy65

I've done two power steering upgrades.
One on my 66, and again on my 65.
On my 66, I went with a used Pick-N-Pull off a 79.
That was the first thing I noticed; poor turning radius.
When I went to upgrade my 65 to power steering, I was apprehensive because I didn't want to lose my good turning radius.
I did a lot of research. These forums have lots of good things to say about Redhead Gears.
So that's what I went with.
I'm really happy with it. Still have a good turning radius.

So if I was to put a 78 power steering box onto my 62 c10 it might make the turning radius worse?

[Chevy Fleetside]

If you use the mid 70's box you will need to set it up right. The power steering box sits about 3/4 in away from the frame. This resulted in my truck turning more left then right. After years of driving that way I decided to take a look.
I lined up the pitman arm parallel with the steering box, and in doing so the wheels were already turning to the left instead of pointing straight.
I ended up cutting about an inch off the one of the tie rod ends to get the wheels pointing straight and then had it relined. I never drove the truck with the manual box but I seem to have pretty good turning radius. I make it around corners just fine. My other truck has the stock manual steering and it gets tiring trying to park it sometimes.

Before I cut the tie rod end I could barely turn right. Had to back up to make some turns, now it makes the turns it never made before.
I don't know if this has any bearing on what this thread is about but I thought I would just throw it in.

[mixermike]

Another vote for redhead

[LostMy65]

Originally Posted by mahanian

I installed the CPP 500 series power steering gearbox on my 65 and the quick ratio is awesome, the streering response is great but the turning radius is HORRIBLE. It takes an extra 10 feet to make a U-turn compared to my manual box and other 63-66 trucks I've driven with later model power steering installed. I've verified nothing is contacting, the limit is within the gearbox.

Is anyone else using this gearbox and did your turning radius get much worse as well?

As was asked above, is the turning radius bad both directions, or just one direction?